Cobe Trophy

Called the "Western Vanderbilt" the initial Ira Cobe Trophy Race was run on a 23.27-mile road course completing a circuit between Crown Point and Lowell Indiana on June 19, 1909. It was commissioned by Ira Cobe, who founded the Chicago Automobile Club. Low attendance and the brutal punishment inflicted by the under-developed roadways contributed to the decision to move the contest for this classic trophy to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1910.

States Battle for Cobe Trophy

Attached are two articles concerning the contest among venues to stage the second running of the Cobe Trophy. The first article was published January 16, 1910, in the Indianapolis Star. The owner of the cup was the Chicago Automobile Club or more specifically one of its most prominent leaders, Ira Cobe, who collectively would determine its fate.
 
Moross Pursues Cobe Trophy - 1910

The attached article (IMSCobe042110) was first published in the April 21, 1910 Indianapolis Star. The article concerns the ongoing decision-making process concerning the venue for the 1910 Cobe Trophy. The race, along with its supporting event, the Indiana Trophy, was the first major road race ever held in Indiana in June 1909.